(MFA Spokesperson Announcement)
Statement regarding the Hamas flotilla (“Sumud”):
This flotilla, organized by Hamas, is intended to serve Hamas.
Israel will not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone and will not allow the breach of a lawful naval blockade.
If the flotilla participants’ genuine wish is to deliver humanitarian aid rather than serve Hamas, Israel calls on the vessels to dock at the Ashkelon Marina and unload the aid there, from where it will be transferred promptly in a coordinated manner to the Gaza Strip.
Israel urges the participants not to break the law and to accept Israel’s proposal for a peaceful transfer of any aid they might have.